Thoughts and Reflections

The Only Constant Is Change

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Life keeps changing! The only constant in life is change. A number of things in my own life have changed. I’ve been married longer than I wasn’t married (37 years this past summer verses 25 years not married). I celebrated 44 years since I graduated High School this past June. I saw a picture of me in High School the other day and I do not look the same today!

My children – my babies – are all grown. Two have children (my five granddaughters). My wife and daughters are such a blessing to me along with our granddaughters. I’ve been in ministry for 41 years. I’ve begun to think about retirement (although I hope to have a few more years left – maybe more!).

Life keeps changing! This summer the Nationals have played playoff bound baseball – the Orioles are trying to get in but it doesn’t seem to be a certainty for sure. The Redskins lost their season opening game while the Ravens won – shutting out the Bengals. The Wizards made the playoffs and so did the Capitals. That’s pretty good change for our area and Maryland is 2-0 after two convincing wins.

Life keeps changing! Our denomination has seen some changes over the years. I remember when United Methodists were known as Bible Thumpers and had Camp Meetings. I remember when it was rare to find a Methodist Church that didn’t have a Sunday night service and a Wednesday night prayer meeting (now it is very rare to find them at all). I remember when Methodists were known as the Singing Methodists because of our love for songs of praise and worship yet today most UM Churches have 2 or 3 songs in worship and some complain about that many. This past year (2016) – the UMC General Conference met – some changes happened.

Life keeps changing! The cost of a basic new car today is around $25-30,000 – while just a few decades ago that would have bought many homes where we lived as children. After a Super Bowl season a few years ago the Ravens quarterback singed a six year $120 million dollar contract. I remember Johnny Unitas – perhaps the greatest quarterback of all time comparing the game changes that have been made. Times are changing.

Life keeps changing – but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Jesus remains the same – He remains constant – He is our rock – our foundation. Ever since I accepted His Lordship in my life – nearly 50 years ago – Jesus has remained constant. While EVERYTHING around me has changed – Jesus remains constant. Jesus’ own brother saw this truth when he wrote in James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. The beloved disciple saw this truth as well as he recorded Jesus’ words in Revelation 1:17-18 – 17When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Life keeps changing but we can count on this truth – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Count on it! Take it to the bank! Trust in Him today! Life keeps changing but God is consistent.